Powder Valley

Does anyone else think there is a lack of communication when placing an order with Powder Valley, or is it just me:)

Thanks,Floyd

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slowr1der

September 21, 2011, 09:46 AM

I've never felt there was a lack of communication. The only thing I don't like is that they don't show their shipping charges on their website, but they are usually reasonable, and they sent you an email when it ships to let you know how much they are. It's a great place to buy from with even better prices.

higgite

September 21, 2011, 09:49 AM

No problem here. Ordered some stuff last week. They sent a confirming email immediately, an email invoice an hour later, and items were sitting on my front porch 3 or 4 days later. Must be you. ;)

Grumulkin

September 21, 2011, 09:53 AM

I've found Powder Valley to be one of the BEST vendors I buy from.

REL1203

September 21, 2011, 10:51 AM

PV has said they are working on a new website that shows your shipping cost before hand, but they only charge real shipping rates, and they do all the can to pack as much into a single package as possible. i have done many orders through them and each one has been perfect. No issues with them, so order with confidence.

youngsait

September 21, 2011, 11:33 AM

They were kind and prompt. Very satisfactory orders for me.

TheCracker

September 21, 2011, 11:33 AM

No problems out of the times I've used them. I highly recommend powder valley. Two have great prices and that's why I use them

wingman

September 21, 2011, 11:53 AM

Great service they have called me if problem with order, I suspect it's a small operation very customer friendly, I simply wait and place a large order powder/primers/bullets.

Rule3

September 21, 2011, 11:53 AM

No problem here other than they have a lot of my money;)

What was the problem or issue??

Walkalong

September 21, 2011, 12:08 PM

I just received an order from them. They emailed me when they got the order and again when it shipped with shipping info. Excellent to deal with. You do have to guess on the shipping though.

floydster

September 21, 2011, 12:10 PM

OCD1, no problem really, I just needed confirmation on my order, and I recieved that today:)
Should get my powder and primers this Fri., however I didn't get a total on the shipping cost---strange.
Floyd

Walkalong

September 21, 2011, 12:18 PM

Always check the spam. I get some things that go there that shouldn't, some being order confirmations.

oldreloader

September 21, 2011, 02:36 PM

I'm in the group with OICD1

Funshooter45

September 21, 2011, 03:18 PM

In my dealings with various vendors, I put Powder Valley right up at the top alongside Missouri Bullet Co. They are both fantastic with prompt courteous service. And you can't beat their prices.

heydawg

September 21, 2011, 08:21 PM

I sent them an email about shipping charges, took a few days to reply but did get back to me with the info. I thought the shipping charges were very low. $10 for a 1000 round box of 100 grain plated bullets and some rifle cartridges. That's insanely cheap. I compared the price from Midway and Grafs, and it was by far the cheapest overall cost I found.

I did some time ago also inquire about a particular primer. Response was timely, perhaps 24 hours, for my inquiry.

floydster

September 21, 2011, 08:23 PM

I may have to re-think this Powder Valley thing--- 15.95 shipping, 25.00 hazmat 1.50 insurance---don't know if it's worth the order, I think I will buy from my local gunshops from now on, even tho my order was over $360.
At any rate ,this will keep me in powder and primers for the next year, then re-valueate.
Floydster:what:

Vartarg

September 21, 2011, 08:45 PM

Never had a problem....all questions or concerns were prmptly addressed....good folks.

1SOW

September 21, 2011, 09:14 PM

Actually, there is no 'Window Dressing' from them at all.
I've only had "personal" conversation with them one time, because they've always been fast and efficient.

When I emailed them about one brand of powder that's been OOS for a good while, they replied promptly with reasons why and a "best guess" when it would become available.

All I could ask for at reasonable prices.

"Floydster", what's the Sales Tax on $360 where you're at, and how far do you have to drive to shop locally? Is the local price the same or more?

Funshooter45

September 21, 2011, 10:49 PM

Well, each person has to make their own choices. I am getting ready to make an order from Powder Valley next week. I did compare prices against the cheapest dealers I can find within a 200 mile radius. For Powder Valley, the price totaled $520 plus $20 shipping plus $25 Hazmat for a grand total of $565. The best price I can get anywhere around here for the exact same powder and primers is $760 plus $40 sales tax for a grand total of $800. So in real dollars I save $235. Nothing to scoff at there.

SSN Vet

September 21, 2011, 11:05 PM

Go in on group buys with friends or the chaps at the rod'n gun club and amortize that hazmat fee over several hundred $$ and you'll all save big time

Sin City Shootist

September 21, 2011, 11:54 PM

Go in on group buys with friends or the chaps at the rod'n gun club and amortize that hazmat fee over several hundred $$ and you'll all save big time

I just did that exact thing just today. I don't care for their site but they are a top notch company for sure.

ArchAngelCD

September 22, 2011, 04:42 AM

I may have to re-think this Powder Valley thing--- 15.95 shipping, 25.00 hazmat 1.50 insurance---don't know if it's worth the order, I think I will buy from my local gunshops from now on, even tho my order was over $360.
At any rate ,this will keep me in powder and primers for the next year, then re-valueate.
Floydster
The $25 hazmat fee will be added by every online store. Also, stores like Midway will charge you 2 hazmat fees if you order primers and powder because they ship both from different places while PV ships both in one box for one fee. Did you take into consideration how much you saved ordering from PV? I'm sure the savings more than covered the shipping and hazmat fee. You are correct to buy locally if you only need a small amount of components because the hazmat fee will add considerably to a small order. Before the two year "Obama shortage" I made several purchases from PV and was very satisfied with the entire process.

ku4hx

September 22, 2011, 05:58 AM

A couple of years ago, after placing an order for 10,000 primers, they called to say their site was in error and all they had was the non match variety and asked did I still want to place the order. I replied saying what I really wanted was the non match anyway and yes, send it through. I got the order in record time.

For me at least, they've always been an exceptional vendor.

floydster

September 22, 2011, 09:41 AM

Well, after crunching the numbers I still come out doing better at PV then buying local, and thanks guys for all the feedback, much apppreciated:)
Floyd

capreppy

September 22, 2011, 09:43 AM

As others have said, not knowing how much shipping is going to cost was a concern when I first used them. Short of a very large bullet order, my shipping has never been more than $10 to $20 so I almost never fret the shipping costs. When purchasing Powder / Primer, I'll do a group buy and save money on shipping and HazMat. I've never had an issue with a lack of communication as others have said. If even not ordering Powder / Primer, I'll always give my buddies a call to see if they want to add anything to the order.

bds

September 22, 2011, 09:56 AM

I participate in group buys from Powder Valley and other online vendors to save on cost.

I keep email/phone number listing of other shooters that reload and when I get ready to order or see a good sale, I send out email/phone inquiries. Most of the time, responses are "Heck yes!". Powder Valley just about has the lowest price on Berry's plated and MBC lead bullets and group buys allow even low volume reloaders to reload at low cost.

Network with other reloaders in your area - they usually make good friends also. :D

REL1203

September 22, 2011, 10:58 AM

I just hosted a group buy from PV. We had 10k primers, 25lbs of powder between 4 buyers. We each paid $4 for shipping, and $6.25 for Hazmat and everyone still saved a ton... Find a local gun related forum and post up there is a GREAT Idea.

amlevin

September 22, 2011, 11:45 AM

For small orders I just send it in and don't worry. Always been fair on the shipping.

For my powder and primer orders I call the order in so I can max out the amount I order to make the Hazmat fee as small as possible. Everyone I've talked to there has been more than helpful and never made me feel like they "have something better to do with their time" like some places I've dealt with locally.

Only issue I have is that they raise their prices just like everyone else does. Darn manufacturers.

Hondo 60

September 22, 2011, 12:39 PM

I placed my first order from them at the end of August.
It was $294.35 for 10 lbs of powder & 6k primers.
Price includes $25 hazmat & $13.95 shipping

Locally (75 miles away) it would've been $424.05.
(and Cabela's doesn't even carry Accurate #5, which was 2 lbs)

sublimaze41

September 23, 2011, 01:50 AM

Great customer service and great prices.
Locally I just paid $27.99 for a pound of RL-15.
Powder Valley has it for $19.15.
It does not take a huge order for me to save big.

2ndtimer

September 24, 2011, 03:02 AM

In my experience, Powder Valley is an outstanding vendor. Very fair prices and shipping costs. They actually called me when they were unable to provide some bullets that were listed as "in stock" on their website to offer me a substitute that was available. When it comes time to restock my powder/primer/bullets, they will be the first place I look.

codefour

September 24, 2011, 04:22 AM

Powder Valley has always been extremely polite and knowledgable. When I first started reloading, they were more than helpful in guiding me in choosing the correct components. And they were very patient. Excellent company..!

Jaybird78

September 24, 2011, 09:20 AM

My last order had to total about $150 for me to break even with the local guys(not including the 1 hr round trip).

I'm planning on another order soon. Like others mentioned, if you can get a few others to go in on the shipping/hazmat. ;)

shooter_from_show-me

September 24, 2011, 12:34 PM

Not at all...placed a order with them this past Wed eve, got a ship notice on Thursday and was at my door by Friday late afternoon:cool:. 112#'s in 2 boxes, UPS guy is a nice. He would of brought them in but had a small audience at the front door, a barking dog and 2 small children.:D

rfwobbly

September 24, 2011, 10:23 PM

You don't even need another forum, I just asked around at work and got up 6 people.

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